September 10, 1999
(Executive Council)

Province welcomes Coat-of-Arms gift

Premier Brian Tobin says the Johnson Family Foundation's gift of a new Coat-of-Arms for the province will create a more striking identification for the seat of government and showcase the natural beauty and the colourful history of the capital city.

The project will replace the existing floral Coat-of-Arms with an enhanced permanent installation that will include stone walls, a marble walkway and a viewing lookout. The existing Coat-of-Arms works only when the flowers are in bloom, however the new, coloured Coat-of-Arms will be a permanent facility that will be showcased by elaborate floral arrangements.

"This is a tremendous gift from the Johnson Family Foundation and upon completion it will enable residents and visitors to enjoy and experience that which is different, distinctive and wonderful about Newfoundland and Labrador," Premier Tobin said.

The premier said it is most significant that the project announcement should come during celebrations that are ongoing to observe the 50th anniversary of the province's entry into Confederation. He noted that the Coat-of-Arms is the Johnson Family Foundation's third gift to the province. Earlier gifts included the Signal Hill Lookout Project and the Memorial University Tower.

Premier Tobin described as legendary the work of Paul Johnson, chair of the Johnson Family Foundation (JFF) and the Grand Concourse Authority (GCA).

Over the years, Mr. Johnson was instrumental in the creation of an elaborate system of trails, walkways, historyboards and storyboards in and around the capital city. The foundation has just completed a three-year program which saw construction of historyboards in 70 communities throughout the province. The JFF is currently involved in the establishment of a transportation museum utilizing the old CN headquarters building on Water Street in St. John's.

As well, the GCA is now working on the Parkland Project which will unify the large and attractive lands, water bodies and important buildings and institutions bounded by Portugal Cove Road to the east; Elizabeth Avenue - Allandale Road to the south; the Health Sciences Complex to the west and Pippy Park to the north. The GCA has also developed a stone-cutting course at the Carbonear Regional Campus of the College of the North Atlantic and is training young people to learn the trade.

Premier Tobin said: "Mr. Johnson has been and continues to be a great ambassador for the province and the capital city. He continues to do this work out of a great love for our city and our province and out of the satisfaction of knowing that he is helping to preserve and enhance the rich history, heritage, culture and traditions of our province."

Works, Services and Transportation Minister Rick Woodford, whose departments works closely with the foundation and the authority, said the new $600,000 Coat-of-Arms to be completed in the year 2000 will serve to enhance the potential of our tourism industry and to generate employment opportunities for our people.

The minister said the province is a strong supporter of the Johnson Family Foundation and Grand Concourse Authority initiatives. Government has contributed more than $700,000 to projects undertaken by the Grand Concourse Authority, however, no provincial funds will be required for the Coat-of-Arms project.

"This Coat-of-Arms project will see the Confederation Hill area become an exceptional venue for all residents of the capital city, for tourists, and for visitors coming to St. John's from communities all throughout the province," Mr. Woodford said. "Additionally, it will provide valuable work experience for those employed within the landscape and construction fields."

Media contact: Heidi Bonnell, (709) 729-3960.

1999 09 10                       3:25 p.m.